Chat with Leon Rippy

[Andrew Mouser (Andrew)]

The following is the transcript of the chat with Leon Rippy on 7-31-03: <BR> <BR>Moderator: We're all set. I'd like to welcome Leon Rippy, who most of you have known in several Electric Movies and Television shows. Thank you for joining us Leon. <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: It's nice to be here... <BR> <BR>Ira says: "exactly how many movies have you done with Dean and Rowland?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: A bunch... <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: Don't know the exact number... <BR> <BR>Ira says: "what was your favorite" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: The Patriot... <BR> <BR>Sher says: "Heyyyy! Thank you so much for coming, Leon! It's so great to see you again! <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">" <BR> <BR>Sher says: "When we met on the set of The Patriot, you'd mentioned you used to drive racecars. What type? Drags? Stock Cars? Do tell! " <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: Can you see me?.. Oh, there's a photo... <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: I drove go-karts, but had a future in stock cars if I'd chosen that route... <BR> <BR>Will says: "What was it like having a part in Stargate and then realising its phenomenal success?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: Any part is fun... It's a job... The success of the film is a bonus... <BR> <BR>Cooper says: "You seem to work with people more than once, like a good guest gets invited back to a party you must be good to work with. Do you work at that or are you naturally easy going?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: Naturally easy going I suppose... As far as working with people more than once, I am thankful... <BR> <BR>Will says: "Did you find Eight Legged Freaks to be a fun movie to make?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: It was terrific!... Except for being webbed... <BR> <BR>Cooper says: "How much of the business is just business for you and how much is the fulfillment of a dream?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: It's all the fulfillment of a dream... <BR> <BR>Will says: "I've yet to see The Life of David Gale, but its on my wish list. Will you give us some spoilers?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: No spoilers... The script suprised me... Hope it does the same for you... <BR> <BR>philoha7 says: "were you friends or at least acquainted with mr. emmerich before being in his movies" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: Nope... He did see me in a play when he was 15 years old, during his first trip to America... Cosmic, don't you think?... <BR> <BR>Ira says: "Leon, I understand you'll soon be seen in a new TV series. A western." <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: Yep... DEADWOOD, is a new western from HBO... It will come to air in 2004... <BR> <BR>Will says: "Your portrayal of John Billings in The Patriot could not have been better. Where did you learn to ride a horse?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: When I was young... Any time I can ride is a good time... I also worked on a cattle ranch for a time... <BR> <BR>Will says: "What do you find to be the most difficult thing about being an actor?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: Waiting for a job... <BR> <BR>philoha7 says: "do you still do any stock car driving either on your own or for charity?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: No... I don't drive anything, unless I have to... <BR> <BR>Sher says: "Would you ever be interested in portraying a race car driver in some future movie? *hint hint grin grin*" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: Yes indeed... That would be wonderful... <BR> <BR>Will says: "Thanks for having this chat! Have you ever had a part in a movie, and also mingled as an "extra", without people knowing?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: I've never done extra work, but I've hung out with alot of them... They're usually more fun... <BR> <BR>Auric says: "Did Roland remember you when he was searching for actors for Moon 44, or was it by chance that you met again then?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: No, he didn't remember me from the play... I auditioned for him... <BR> <BR>Auric says: "How did you like working in Germany on Moon 44?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: It was a wonderful experience... Everyone worked very hard and the results were amazing... <BR> <BR>JAG! says: "Hey all, sorry I'm late -- What a way to spend a birthday.. food, drink and chatting with a GREAT actor! Hi Leon, (excuse me if this question has been asked before) but I understand you were in my home state of Texas filming a movie.. Any info?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: HAPPY B/DAY!!... Just returned from Austin, where we were filming, ALAMO... Set to open Christmas day... <BR> <BR>Cooper says: "Do you have any special or superstitious habits you keep to get you ready to film? " <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: None that I can think of... <BR> <BR>Sher says: "I don't know if you remember....but we spoke briefly about racing when we met, and you mentioned some friends of yours built or had something to do with ZZTop's car(s). " <BR> <BR>Sher says: "What do you think of the whole new fad coming on for Drag Racing thanks to the Fast and Furious movies?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: Right... His name is Bob Bauder... He does alot of custom work... <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: They should keep things on the track!!... <BR> <BR>JAG! says: "I loved your character on a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode.. In it, your character had a line about a "low mileage pit woofie" -- any idea what that means?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: A "pit woofie", would be to stock car racing, what a "groupie" is to the rock and roll world... <BR> <BR>Sher says: "Should get him to do some work on my Nova. hehehe I do keep things on the track here. I'm part of the police's Street Legal program that keeps kids off the streets and on the tracks where it's safe." <BR> <BR>Sher says: "I've had the honor of meeting Leon, and I'd have to say he's one of the easiest going people I've ever met1 Very cheerful and encouraging...it's not a suprrise people enjoy working with him." <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: A Nova is a great car... <BR> <BR>Ira says: "It was great to catch up with you at the wedding. Looking forward to Deadwood & the Alamo. Take Care Buddy." <BR> <BR>Will says: "Lol...Lol!" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: See ya' later Ira... <BR> <BR>Sher says: "Any new projects to begin soon for you?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: Working on DEADWOOD right now... Hope some other things come up too... <BR> <BR>Sher says: "Tell us what it was like to work on The Visitor. We sure miss that show!" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: We miss it too... It was wonderful... Like your family... It's ending was like the end of summer camp... Bummer... <BR> <BR>Sher says: "Well, if I can help it, Leon, you'll be working with me on MY movie when it gets made. *grin How would go through to seeing if you could attach your talent to it for when it's pitched?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: If it's a good script and you feed me well, I'm interested... <BR> <BR>Will says: "Is there any specific actor or actress that you would like to work with, but haven't as of yet?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: Any of 'em will do... <BR> <BR>Sher says: "I'll feed ya home cooked meals, and take ya racin in my Nova. LOL" <BR> <BR>JAG! says: "I love the fact that Dean seems to find roles for you in his movies -- what a great friendship this must be. Which Roland/Dean movie has been your favorite?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: There's a thought... <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: MOON 44 will always hold a special place, as it was where we all came together... <BR> <BR>Sher says: "I have to ask....what was it like working WITH Dean in Moon44 then later to have him as a "boss" in The Visitor?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: No different... Same ol' Dean... <BR> <BR>Auric says: "Were you approached directly to play in those films like Universal Soldier, Stargate or The 13th Floor, or did you just hear about them and go to the auditions?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: I had to win each job, with the exception of THE 13th FLOOR... <BR> <BR>JAG! says: "I unfortunately, wasn't able to attend the "gathering" while The Patriot was filming.. but I heard many good things about you from my friends here.. I hope one day, I'll have the honor to meet you and at least say "Hello"." <BR> <BR>Tweety says: "If you could design your own role, what would that be?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: It would be my honor... How fortunate I am to make a living by doing something that has an effect on people... I am very thankful for that... <BR> <BR>Will says: "At what age did you start your film career?" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: I did my first play in high school, and my first film didn't come until I was 31... <BR> <BR>Moderator: Thank you Leon for joining us in a wonderful chat. The chat transcript will be available on the Electric BBS shortly after this chat ends. <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy: Thanks for having me, it's been fun, and fun is a good thing... <BR> <BR>JAG! says: "Thanks, Leon! Take care" <BR> <BR>Auric says: "Thanks for the chat and for great movies Leon! <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">" <BR> <BR>Will says: "Looking forward to more of your great talent!" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy left the stage. <BR> <BR>Grin says: "Hey Leon! I guess the chat's over, but I wanted you to know I dropped in... <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">" <BR> <BR>Sher says: "My computer hates me tonite...keep getting bumped of" <BR> <BR>Will says: "Happy B-Day Jag!" <BR> <BR>Leon Rippy says: "Thank you, bye, bye.." <BR> <BR>Sher says: "Happy BDay Jaggy!" <BR> <BR>The PalacePresents event "Chat with Leon Rippy" is over. <BR> <BR>Thank you for attending.

[Lord of the Pants (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Sounds like Mr. Rippy isn't too crazy about the recent trend in drag racing movies :] <BR> <BR>(can't say I blame him, considering "2 Fast, 2 Furious, 2 Crappy")

[Leon Rippy]

Tweety, <BR> Sorry I didn't get to answer your question... As to a role I would design for myself: It would be a simple man, with simple goals... Although, when you looked at this man, you may think him to be dangerous... One of my favorite films is, TOMORROW, with Robert Duvall... It's kinda hard to find, but worth the effort... Thanks for the question... <BR>Leon

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

Fungie, I wasn't referring to the street racing in them, so much as the fact that they've brought out a whole new generation of racers to the track, as well as made that whole lifestyle suddenly "cool" again. (The once dominating Country music stations here are being replaced by Classic Rock, woohoo!) SIR's been invaded by all these imports, so much so that they've created a special class just for them now. Anything that is good for my sport, is good for me! <BR> <BR>But yeah, the Fast and Furious movies aren't very realistic. I mean, c'mon, how many gears do those cars HAVE! And I know for a fact nitrous boost doesn't make you go THAT much quicker all of a sudden. But it was a fun popcorn movie, and the kids enjoyed it. I especially loved the scene in the sequel where they pay homage to the "Classic American Muscle". *grin* I just wish I'd gotten my story finished sooner because now is the time to be pitching it while the desire for this lifestyle is HIGH. But alas, gotta keep slaving away at the day job to keep food on the table too. But it is getting closer to completion...working on the second draft right now. Anyhoo.... <BR> <BR>Leon, it sure was a pleasure having you with us last night. I do hope you'll make this place a frequent stop! :-) (And one of these days coming up here soon, we've got to sit down to a nice turkey dinner and discuss your next role. ;-) )

[RiverPants (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

I actually enjoyed the first "Fast and the Furious", but I hate the way Hollywood keeps milking the dead cow (for lack of a better pun). <BR> <BR>Which kind of brings up another q: <BR> <BR>How many sequels to movies has Mr. Rippy been in?

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

Young Guns II, North & South II and is King Kong Lives a sequel? <BR> <BR>Now Sher, you quit trying to usurp our local talent with your turkey dinner and all. Mr. Rippy hails from this neck of the woods. Bar-B-Que, cornbread, collard greens, squash casserole,shrimp and grits, red velvet cake....you know, all the good stuff! ;) Good luck on that second draft!

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

Woohoo! Supper's at Will's house! Meet us there, Leon. *grin* I can't ever possibly top a good down south home cooked meal, nosiree!!!!! <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">

[RiverPants (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Dag, Will. I was born and bred a New Yorker, but even if I didn't spend ~3 years down south, that would still sound delish!

[roxy]

hey what's up

[roxy]

chat with me

[Bubba Ho-Tep (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Um... Hi. How ya doing?

[J. Ariel Garza (Jag)]

Awww -- guess we'll have to wait a bit longer before seeing our beloved Leon on the big screen. <BR> <BR>Disney Postpones 'The Alamo' Release <BR> <BR>LOS ANGELES (AP) - Disney has postponed the Christmas release of "The Alamo" until April because filmmakers felt they needed more time to finish it. <BR> <BR>"Too often in Hollywood these days, release dates are set before a film has even completed shooting and it forces the director into a situation that compromises the work," studio Chairman Dick Cook said Wednesday. <BR> <BR>The movie, starring Billy Bob Thornton as Davy Crockett and Dennis Quaid as Sam Houston, was scheduled to debut Dec. 25. The postponement means it won't qualify for the 2003 Academy Awards - where some had predicted it would be a major contender. <BR> <BR>"Ultimately, the end product is more important than the need to meet arbitrary deadlines for awards," Cook said. <BR> <BR>--------------- <BR> <BR>There's more, but I'm sure you get the idea. <BR> <BR>-=JAG

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

"born on a mountaintop in Tennessee....king of the wild frontier". This ones going to be good! Mr.'s Thornton and Quaid ought to fill those roles nicely. I'm glad they postponed till spring. 3 on Christmas day would be pushing it. Don't know about you youngsters <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">, but most my age spent many an afternoon "playing" Davy Crockett.

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

Well Ms. Hart, get back here and chat. Your Chicago was electrifying, "You had me at hello" is probably going to be remembered as one of the best film lines ever, maybe even as much as Leon Rippy's "Holy Ghost" in The Patriot. I wonder if your co-stars name, Ada, in the upcoming Cold Mountain is a tribute to National Velvet?...'course, this may be a different "roxie".

[puterjok]

Hey Leon, Thought I would give a fellow North Carolinian a quick shout.. Some friends of mine,
(Lynn and Lisa Doss from Mebane,NC) recently met you at the beach, and that is all I have heard about.. I Hope to meet you some time.. Loved Gridiron Gang.. Steve Farrell :beer:

[Crazy Pavarotti Man]

Interesting that this thread get a bump after 4 years, as Leon is in a new TV series (Saving Grace, with Holly Hunter). He plays, of all things, an angel :)

[sheri]

Thanks for the heads up, Mark, I'll have to check it out! Leon's a great guy and a great actor too!